ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses some steps in the history of philosophy leading up to contemporary schemas of cognitive semiotics. The Aristotelian triangle is a logical structure. It interrelates not only the elements of the linguistic sign, but also the elements of phenomenological meaning in general as according to Aristotle: form – general concept – matter. A contradictorial relation between concept and experience, like the concept of Jesus's flesh and blood tasting like bread and wine, between external and inner language, provides a wobbly ground for realistic meaning. Aristotle suggested a structure of meaning where nominatio and significatio-similitudo were inherent aspects of the sign. He did in other words claim that form, matter and general concept were indivisible, and that meaning as well as form and concept were basically inherent in matter.
